One thing I will say about my time here at ATS is that I will say I am learning to analyse the content, the motivation and the sincerity of the shared information. I have come to believe people are quite naive about the messages put forth. I have, to a lovely degree, lost my gullibility and it kills me to see people racing to agree with the OP (stars and flags) when the of side of an issue is nowhere in sight.
It is a horrible reflection on our society that spreading lies (disinformation) is so prevalent.
I hope that everyone here takes time to clarify your values. Sort out right from wrong on your own - that requires using your head and your heart. Do not let society tell you what you should believe. People are spoonfed their values and accept the word of their educators, friends, the medias, even their parents as truth. Sorting truth from fiction takes discernment. Discernment can only come with reflection.
I once had a guy tell me that I was too "wishy washy" because I would always attempt to look and both sides of an issue before drawing a conclusion. Actually, I think he really meant is: "I want someone to put down others with me." I think he did me a favor in the long run. I worked to develop my own point-of-view and took a stand where I felt it mattered.
Please think for yourself, be unique, constantly challenge yourself to be the best you can. The reason this article is important lies in the last line.
Without a concerted and organized effort to diffuse mass-produced lies, the future will look bleak indeed.
This whirlpool of lies is only going one way.


